The fiscal continued: “Police found a rucksack with a chisel and crowbar inside. They also identified various bags containing cigarettes at the till area. Overall, there was 112 packets which reached a value of £1006.23 and there was a full recovery.

“In terms of damage to the shop there was an insurance excess of £600 as well as £900 of damage.”

In mitigation, Templeton’s bemused defence solicitor told the court: “I have no real explanation for this. It occurred at the time of a relationship breakdown and he is extremely embarrassed about it.

“He is under no illusion that he should expect a custodial sentence but is ready to complete a community payback order.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri took the former option and told Templeton: “An offence of this nature can expect a custodial sentence and as such I can only deal with it that way.

“Due to your guilty plea I will sentence you to five months rather than six.”